Cranky Jennie ;-p

I wonder what Al Gore would say to this article:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/24/hiding-evidence-of-global-cooling/

It seems that some elite climate scientists have fudged their global warming data to support their hypothesis that the Earth is indeed heating up.  Oh, and then they hid that fact.  In the meantime, they discounted any and all other scientists who argued against global warming.

I love conspiracy!  Is there anyone who is actually honest out there?

I do think it’s important to do things that are Earth-friendly.  There’s no harm in recycling, finding alternatives to our reliance on oil, etc.  What I do have a problem with is having the media and the government shove “Go Green” down my throat.

This, of course, all goes towards my Libertarian-leanings to LEAVE ME ALONE AND LET ME DECIDE FOR MYSELF!

I do not believe in global warming.  I believe our planet goes through cycles and right now we may be going through a warming trend.   Are the icebergs melting?  It seems so.  Is it because of we evil-doing humans?  I don’t think so.

Believe what you want.

What surprises me is how easily people are lead.  Media outlets taut great ways to “go green”.  Celebrities and other “high powered” individuals talk about how they are working to save the planet.  You hear about it all the time.  We are inundated with “Save the Planet” messages everywhere we turn!

Yet, all those opinions are based off the “facts” of a group of scientists who skewed their data.  Hmmmmmm….

What’s scarier is how this news is supressed.  Is the New York Times covering it on their front page?  Is MSNBC devoting hours to this subject?  Hell NO!

Why?  Is it because they’re afraid of looking like asses?  Or is it because this information contradicts their Liberal agenda?

I really wish there were some mass outlet that would honestly (hahahaha) stick to the truth.  If you find it, let me know!

In the meanwhile, I may still recycle, but I’m not buying reusable bags just yet.

The holidays are upon us.  That means it’s time for good cheer and reflection on the passing year.  The music is playing, the sales are hopping, the stores are festive, the children are heading outdoors in their coats and mittens.  Is there really a better time of year?

Why, however, do we reserve our thanks for solely for this time of year?  A popular activity at the Thanksgiving table is to announce what it is you are grateful for.  Wouldn’t it be wiser to be thankful all year, rather than just one afternoon?

Who are you giving thanks to?

God?  If you believe in Him and His Divine Power.

Country?  Is there really anywhere else that is greater than the U.S.?  Look at the plights of so many other countries.  We are so fortunate, we forget sometimes!

Family?  If you’re lucky enough to have a loving, supportive family (and that includes those not related by blood).

The Fates?  Has fortune been kind to you this year?

There are so many ways to say thank you.  I just think it would be better if we reflected more than once a year.  Give your daughter an extra hug.  Tell your mother that you love her and appreciate all she’s done for you.  Plant a kiss on your spouse.  Little acts of kindness and appreciation go such a long way.

Why not hold the door open for a stranger?  Or help an old woman across the street.

I believe that being thankful can be expressed in many ways.  Pay it Forward and all of that.

Every once in awhile it’s important to slow down and take in the view.  If you only do that on Thanksgiving, at least you took advantage of that opportunity.  Life is short.  Slow down.  There’s a lot out there to be grateful for.

And now I’ll get off my soap box.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, a Florida woman was awarded $300 million dollars in a settlement with Philip Morris, the tobacco company.  The jury, in its wisdom, felt the woman was only 10% at fault.  The marketing genius of Phillip Morris, apparently, was 90% at fault.

I didn’t know you could blame someone for a personal choice.

Here is a link to an article about this case: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/business/21smoke.html

The “victim” in this case has severe emphysema and needs a lung transplant.

I used to smoke.  I was a pack-a-day smoker for 17 years.  I quit while I was pregnant, dabbled between pregnancies, went back full-time for a few years and ultimately quit about 18 months ago.  I don’t blame anyone for my choice to start smoking.  If anyone is to blame, it’s peer pressure.  It certainly isn’t the tobacco companies or their advertising campaigns.

This latest settlement takes the onus off of personal choice and allows people to point the finger at someone else.

Do I feel badly for this woman for her emphysema?  Absolutely.  However, there are many other ex-smokers and current smokers who have been smoking for many more years than her and they haven’t had many adverse side-effects.  Biology obviously plays a role.

Since these lawsuits are allowed to go forward, they open the door to so many others.  For example, why can’t an alcoholic who has cirrhosis of the liver sue the liquor industry?  Isn’t it Budweiser’s fault that he started to drink?  His predisposition to alcoholism should only make him 10% liable for his addiction, don’t you think?

I’m sorry, but it’s ridiculous.  Once you open those gates, watch out for the flood!!!!!

I’m willing to compromise and say the tobacco company should cover the woman’s medical expenses.  But $300 million?  How absurd!

Should military families have the right to sue the government when their son or daughter is killed in the line of duty?  That would seem a bit more reasonable as far as I’m concerned.

This country has become obsessed with litigation.  It has given lawyers a bad name too.  Rather than fighting for what is just and right, they fight for the big bucks (this, of course, is a MAJOR generalization).

This whole thing just illustrates how far we, as a nation, have fallen from grace.  It’s always someone else’s fault.  What about personal responsibility?

Shame on those jurists.  This is just plain pathetic.

Aaaaaahhhhh…

I had a facial today for the first time in a very, very, very long time!  It was GLORIOUS.

I am not one to pamper myself.  Along that same line of thinking, I am not one to do much with myself!  I grew up in a home with a mother who didn’t wear makeup (except lipstick), take care of her skin, moisturize, etc.  You are what you live.

My normal routine consists of brushing my hair and teeth in the morning after I get dressed.  That’s it.

Sure, when I am going out with G or some other special occasion, I clean up well.  Out comes the mascara, the high-heeled shoes, the cute outfit, etc.  I just can’t see myself doing that whole routine on a daily basis.

Yes, I’m lazy about upkeep!

However, once in a while, I will decide that I need some time at the spa in order to rejuvenate.  I’ll go for a massage a few times a year and maybe, possibly, have a pedicure or manicure.  What I cannot do is the weekly pampering package.

I know many women out there who get their nails done weekly, their hair cut and styled on a 6-week schedule, who shop at Nordstrom’s and pair jeans with heels.  More power to them!  I am just not that girl.

First, there’s the expense.  Even getting your nails done isn’t cheap.  I just can’t get over the guilt I associate with spending that kind of money.  If you add all the maintenance things up, that can total a hefty bill!

Second, G likes me au natural.  He thinks I look better without makeup.  And no, he’s not lying.  All his brothers feel the same way — they don’t like a “made-up” woman.  Weird, I know!  Yes, I think he’s full of it, but considering this is my daily state of appearance, I’m not going to complain.

Finally, the time spent seems like such a waste.  I feel like I have so little free time as it is.  Do I really want to sit in some chair and gossip about nonsense?  Not really.  Well, maybe the gossip part…I AM a woman, you know!

I think it’s great that women like to go out and about at the top of their game, as long as they do it for themselves.  I, on the other hand, am content just the way I am.  Even if that means going to pick up my kids from school while I’m still dripping sweat from the gym.

However, I do have to say that pampering yourself from time to time (regardless of reasons not to do so) is a great and necessary thing.  As those Loreal girls tell us, “We’re Worth It!”.